Adjustable and flexible closure assembly for shoes with variable opening

ABSTRACT

A shoe having a variable opening and tongue utilizing an adjustable and flexible closure assembly which includes separable fastening members having coacting, flexible, gripping elements, such as hook and loop Velcro type fastening means, a fastener strap, and an anchor means with an opening to engage the free end of the fastener strap permitting the wearer to easily adjust and secure the closure assembly to the precise tautness desired, using only one hand.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to shoes, particularly the types of shoes suitedfor various athletic sports, such as running, tennis, soccer, basketballand jogging. However, it is also adaptable for dress shoes, golf shoes,football shoes, work shoes, outdoor shoes and other footwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in shoe constructionutilizing an adjustable and flexible closure assembly to secure the shoeto the wearer's foot. In order to maintain the best fit and most comfortwhen wearing shoes using laces, it is necessary to retie them frequentlybecause they become untied or loosen from the constant exertion of forceagainst them. Shoes with buckles offer only a limited adjustability aspermitted by the fixed spacing of holes in the strap for insertion ofthe rigid metal stud/latch on a buckle.

One of the major disadvantages in using laces is that when they becomeloose or break, the wearer can experience discomfort or even injury.This can happen especially in a fastaction sport requiring quick footmovements, such as basketball, tennis, racquetball, soccer, football andthe like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Shoes of the present invention pertain to low-cut and high-cut shoes,particularly sports shoes, which include an adjustable and flexibleclosure assembly to secure the shoe on the wearer's foot. Theimprovement of this invention can eliminate some of the problems foundin conventional shoes which use laces only or buckles and similarfastening devices. The closure assembly can either totally or partiallyeliminate laces, buckles and other rigid fasteners as the fasteningmeans for shoes. Whereas shoes using laces or buckles require both handsto fasten the shoe, the present invention enables the wearer to quicklyadjust and firmly maintain the precise tautness desired by easilypulling the shoe uppers simultaneously to fasten the shoe, using onlyone hand. Most importantly, since the closure assembly of this inventioncan be easily manipulated using only one hand, no great dexterity isrequired to complete the fastening to firmly secure the shoe to thefoot. Children and handicapped persons will also benefit from thisimprovement because they can fasten their shoes easily and quickly.

The closure assembly of the present invention includes co-acting hookand loop Velcro type fastening means, a fastener strap and an anchormeans. The fastener strap has a fixed end permanently attached to oneside of the shoe and a free end including at least one co-acting memberof hook and loop fastening means. The anchor means or anchor strap hasone end permanently attached to the opposite side of the shoe and a freeend with an opening through which the free end of the fastener strappasses to fasten the shoe.

The improvement of this invention also includes a non-retractable U-typefastener strap bifurcated to form two members at the fixed end and asingle member at the free end. The bifurcated members pass throughseparate openings on the side of the shoe forming the anchoring meansand are attached adjacent the variable opening on the opposite side ofthe shoe. The hook and loop fastening means for the U-type fastenerstrap may be utilized in the same manner as the fastening meansdescribed hereinabove. The U-type fastener strap cannot be withdrawnafter the two straps are inserted through the individual openings andattached to the shoe.

Among the objects of the present invention is the provision of a shoehaving an adjustable and flexible closure assembly utilizing hook andloop fastening means which permits the wearer to adjust and maintain theprecise desired tautness thereby obtaining a custom-fit and more comfortto the wearer's foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention showing the closure assembly in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 1 showing the closureassembly in the open position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the shoe of thepresent invention showing the closure assembly in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a view of the shoe of FIG. 3 showing the closure assembly inthe open position.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the shoe of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the shoe of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the shoe of FIG. 5 showing the closure assemblyin the open position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the shoe of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the shoe of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the shoe of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is another view of the shoe of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a seventh embodiment of theshoe of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an eighth embodiment of theshoe of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the shoe of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of a shoe of the present inventionshowing various arrangements of the strap used with the closure assemblyof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an athletic shoe 10 of the present invention. Theshoe 10 is shown as a running-type shoe formed of a sole 12 and uppers14 having a variable V throat instep opening 16 and a tongue 18. Theshoe 10 is provided with an adjustable and flexible closure assemblywhich is secured across the shoe opening 16 and includes a fastenerstrap 20 secured to one side of the shoe 10 and an anchor strap 22secured on the opposite side of the opening 16 of the shoe 10. Theanchor strap 22 includes a free end 28 having a D-ring 30 which forms anopening through which the free end 26 of the fastener strap 20 passes tosecure the closure assembly. The fastener strap 20 utilizes a flexible,multi-adjustable, separable fastener having first and second fasteningmembers including an array of complementary, coacting, flexible grippingelements on each of the members, such as a Velcro-type co-acting hookand loop fastening means including a pad of hook fastening material 32positioned on the fixed end 24 of the fastener strap 20 and a pad 34 ofloop fastening material positioned on the free end 26 of the fastenerstrap 20.

In use, the variable opening 16 expands in order to accommodate thewearer's foot as he inserts it into the shoe. The free end 26 of thefastener strap 20 is passed through the D-ring 30 on the anchor strap22. The wearer brings the shoe uppers inwardly by pulling the fastenerstrap 20 until the precise desired tautness is achieved. The loopfastening means 34 at the free end 26 of the fastener strap 20 is placedto co-act with the hook fastening means 32 at its fixed end 24 to securethe shoe.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of a shoe 40 of the presentinvention. The shoe 40 is a child's shoe including a sole 42 and uppers44 and it includes a U-throat variable opening 46 and tongue 48. Theshoe is provided with an adjustable and flexible closure assembly,including a fastener strap 50 secured to one side of the shoe and ananchor strap 52 secured to the opposite side of the shoe, across thevariable opening 46. The fastener strap 50 includes a fixed end 54 and afree end 56 and the anchor strap 52 includes a free end 58 having agrommet 60 adapted to receive the free end 56 of the fastener strap 50.The fastener strap 50 is provided with a hook and loop Velcro typefastening means including a pad of hook fastening material 62 on thefixed end 54 of the strap fastener 50 and a pad of co-acting loopmaterial 64 on the free end 56 of the fastener strap 50.

The shoe is secured in basically the same manner as the shoe describedwith respect to FIGS. 1 and 2; that is, the free end 56 of the fastenerstrap 50 is passed through the grommet 60 and folded back to secure thehook and loop fastening means when the precise desired tautness isachieved. This arrangement is particularly useful in children's shoessince only one hand is required to secure the closure assembly once thefastener strap 50 is passed through the grommet 60 in the anchor strap52.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of a shoe 80 of the presentinvention which is a blucher-type of athletic shoe including a sole 82and uppers 84 and having a variable opening formed by quarters 86 and 88and a tongue 90. The shoe is also provided with an adjustable andflexible closure assembly of the same type as described with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2 including a fastener strap 92 having a hook and loopVelcro-type fastening means integrally attached thereto and an anchormeans 94 including a D-ring 96 which receives the fastener strap 92.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a shoe 100 of the presentinvention. The shoe is shown as a soccer or football type shoe includinga sole 102 and uppers 104 and a variable opening with a vamp 106 havinglaces 108 and a tongue 110. The shoe 100 includes an adjustable andflexible closure assembly which overlays the upper portion of the laces108 and further secures the shoe and includes a fastener strap 112, ananchor strap 114 securing a connector plate 116 through an opening 115and having another opening 118 through which the fastener strap ispassed and the closure assembly secured using a hook and loopVelcro-type fastening means in the same manner as described withreference to the above figures.

FIG. 9 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. A low-cutbasketball or tennis-type shoe 120 includes a sole 122 and uppers 124and a variable opening with a U-throat vamp 126, laces 128 and a tongue130. The shoe includes a fastener strap 132 made of co-actingelasticized hook and loop Velcro type material. An anchor strap 134includes a D-ring 136 having a roll bar 138 which allows the fastenerstrap 132 to glide smoothly to secure the closure assembly.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment of the present invention in theform of a high-cut basketball-type shoe 150 including a sole 152 anduppers 154. The shoe includes a variable opening and quarters 156 and158, laces 160 and a tongue 162. The shoe 150 is provided with anadjustable and flexible closure assembly including a fastener strap 164and an anchor strap 166 of the same type as described hereinabove. Thefastener strap 164 includes a fixed end 165 attached to shoe 150 wheresole 152 and uppers 154 adjoin and a free end having hook or loopVelcro-type fastening means and the anchor strap 166 includes a D-ring168 through which the fastener strap 164 passes. The closure assembly ispositioned further back and higher up on the instep of the shoe toprovide greater security at the ankle area of the wearer's foot. Theclosure assembly in all other respects is essentially the same as thatshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is secured in the same manner as describedtherewith.

FIG. 12 illustrates a low-cut athletic type shoe 180 having twoadjustable and flexible closure assemblies of the same type as describedwith reference to FIG. 3 including anchor straps 182 and 184 withgrommets 186 and 188 which form the openings to receive the fastenerstraps 194 and 192. Each of the fastener straps 194 and 192 utilize aVelcro-type hook and loop fastening means including a pad 196 of looptype material and a pad 198 of hook type material which are secured inthe same as described hereinabove.

FIG. 13 shows another shoe 200 having a U-throat variable opening 202and tongue 204. The shoe 200 includes an adjustable and flexible closureassembly utilizing a bifurcated fastener strap 206 including a bodyportion having a pad 208 of loop Velcro-type material secured adjacentits free end and leg members with fixed ends 214 and 216 attachedadjacent the variable opening 202 on one side of the shoe. The legmembers of the bifurcated fastener strap 206 pass through and areretained by grommets 210 and 211 forming openings on the opposite sideof the variable opening 202. A separate pad 212 of hook Velcro-typematerial is attached adjacent the edge of the variable opening 202 towhich the fixed bifurcated members 214 and 216 of the fastener strap 206are attached. The pad 212 of hook Velcro-type material coacts with pad208 of loop Velcro-type material at the one end of fastener strap 206 tosecure the closure assembly after the precise desired tautness isachieved.

FIG. 14 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. Alow-cut athletic type shoe 240 having a variable opening and quarters242 and 244 and a tongue 246 is provided with an adjustable and flexibleclosure assembly utilizing a bifurcated fastener strap 248, the free endof which is provided with a pad of loop Velcro-type fastening material250. Each member 241 and 243 of the bifurcated fastener strap 248 passesthrough D-rings 251 and 252 respectively formed on anchor straps 253 and254. A pad hook Velcro-type material 256 is provided on the oppositeside of the shoe and is adapted to coact with pad 250 of loopVelcro-type material to secure the closure assembly.

The bifurcated fastener strap shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 has the advantageof always being retained by the opening in the anchor means so that itis not necessary to reinsert the fastener strap of the closure assemblyeach time a shoe is put on the wearer'foot. This is particularly usefulfor handicapped persons or for small children.

FIG. 15 illustrates various arrangements where the fixed ends of thefastener and anchor straps are secured to the shoe and the locationwhere the free ends of the straps engage to fasten. FIG. 15a shows afastener strap f, the fixed end of which is secured at the junction ofthe sole of the shoe and the shoe upper and which does not extend passedthe side of the shoe to which it is secured. The anchor strap a is alsosecured at the junction of the sole and the shoe upper on the other sideof the shoe and extends over the shoe to the side where the fastenerstrap is located to secure the closure assembly. FIG. 15b illustrates anarrangement where the fastener strap f is attached above the sole of theshoe and extends partway over the shoe. The anchor strap a is alsoattached above the sole of the shoe and extends over the shoe to engagethe fastener strap. FIG. 15c illustrates a closure arrangement wherein afastener strap f is secured above the sole and extends over the shoe tothe opposite side. An anchor strap a is secured above the shoe sole butremains on that side of the shoe to engage the fastener strap.

These various arrangements in length and location of both the fastenerstrap and the anchor strap are interchangeable and may be used on any ofthe embodiments shown in this application as long as the arrangement isconsistent with that particular style of shoe. As shown in FIGS. 15b and15c, the strap may be secured at a point relatively near the sole of theshoe, FIG. 15b, or at a point well up on the shoe uppers, FIG. 15c.

It will be appreciated various modifications may be made in the presentinvention. As indicated above, any suitable separable fastener includingfirst and second fastening members having complementary, coacting,flexible gripping elements may be used in place of the hook and loopfastening means. Other changes may be made, for example, the closureassembly may be placed on either side of the shoe and the Velcrofastening means and cooperating opening are interchangeable or multipleclosure assemblies may be used. Also, the invention works equally wellwhether the opening is a D-ring, grommet or connector plate or any othertype of opening, and these are also readily interchangeable on thevarious embodiments of shoes contemplated by the present invention.

What is claimed is: .[.1. A shoe having a sole, uppers and a variableinstep opening in combination with an adjustable and flexible closureassembly spanning said variable instep opening, said closure assemblycomprising: closure assembly to fasten said shoe..].
 2. The shoe ofclaim .[.1.]. .Iadd.29 .Iaddend.wherein said arrays of complementary,coacting flexible gripping elements include an array of hook typegripping elements on said first fastening member and an array of looptype gripping elements on said second fastening member. .[.3. The shoeof claim 1 wherein said anchor means opening is formed of a D-ring..].4. The shoe of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.29 .Iaddend.wherein said .[.anchormeans.]. opening is formed of a grommet. .[.5. The shoe of claim 1wherein said anchor means opening is formed of a connector plate..]. 6.The shoe of claim .[.3.]. .Iadd.25 .Iaddend.wherein said D-ring isprovided with a roll bar. .[.7. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said anchormeans forms a strap having a fixed end and a free end, said free endincluding said anchor opening..].
 8. The shoe of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.29.Iaddend.wherein said fastener strap is made of elasticized material. 9.The shoe of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.29 .Iaddend.wherein said uppers includequarters defining said variable instep opening and said closure assemblyis connected to said quarters spanning said variable instep opening. 10.The shoe of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.29 .Iaddend.wherein said uppers includesa vamp defining said variable instep opening and said closure assemblyis connected to said vamp spanning said variable instep opening.
 11. Theshoe of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.29 .Iaddend.wherein said vamp furtherincludes a U-throat member further defining said variable instepopening.
 12. The shoe of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.29 .Iaddend.wherein saidvamp further includes a V-throat member further defining said variableinstep opening.
 13. The shoe of claim .[.7.]. .Iadd.27 .Iaddend.whereinsaid fastener and said anchor straps are connected to the shoe at thejunction of the sole and uppers adjacent the heel area of said uppers.14. The shoe of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.29 .Iaddend.further including asecond adjustable and flexible closure assembly spanning said variableinstep opening. .[.15. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said fastener strapis bifurcated forming two leg members fixed to one side of the shoe anda body member portion spanning said leg members permanently retainingsaid leg members in said anchor means on the opposite side of saidshoe..].
 16. The shoe of claim .[.15.]. .Iadd.28 .Iaddend.wherein saidbody portion of said bifurcated fastener strap is free and includes apad of hook and loop fastening material.
 17. The shoe of claim 16.[.further including.]. .Iadd.wherein said second fastening memberincludes .Iaddend.a separate pad of hook and loop fastening materialwhich coacts with said pad on said bifurcated fastener strap. The shoeof claim .[.7.]. .Iadd.27 .Iaddend.wherein said fastener strap crossessaid shoe to engage said anchor strap on the opposite side of said shoe.19. The shoe of claim .[.7.]. .Iadd.27 .Iaddend.wherein said anchorstrap crosses said shoe to engage said fastener strap on the oppositeside of said shoe.
 20. The shoe of claim 10 wherein said fastener strapand said anchor strap extend to engage between said shoe uppers. Theshoe of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.29 .Iaddend.wherein said fixed end of saidfastener strap is connected at the point where said sole and uppersjoin.
 22. The shoe of claim .[.7.]. .Iadd.27 .Iaddend.wherein said fixedend of said fastener strap is connected to said uppers above said sole.The shoe of claim .[.7.]. .Iadd.27 .Iaddend.wherein said anchor strap isconnected at the point where said sole and said uppers join.
 24. Theshoe of claim .[.7.]. .Iadd.27 .Iaddend.wherein said anchor strap isconnected to said uppers above said sole. .Iadd.25. A shoe having asole, uppers and a variable instep opening in combination with anadjustable and flexible closure assembly spanning said variable instepopening, said closure assembly comprising:a flexible, multi-adjustable,separable fastener means having first and second fastening membersincluding arrays of complementary, coacting flexible gripping elementsfor securing said closure assembly; a fastener strap included on oneside of said shoe having a fixed portion and a free end, said free endincluding said first fastening member, said second fastening memberpositioned adjacent said fixed portion of said fastener strap; andanchor means on the opposite side of said shoe, said anchor means havingan opening formed of a D-ring through which said free end of saidfastener strap passes permitting adjustment to maintain a precisedesired tautness of said closure assembly to fasten said shoe. .Iaddend..Iadd.26. A shoe having a sole, uppers and a variable instep opening incombination with an adjustable and flexible closure assembly spanningsaid variable instep opening, said closure assembly comprising: aflexible, multi-adjustable, separable fastener means having first andsecond fastening members including arrays of complementary, coactingflexible gripping elements for securing said closure assembly; afastener strap included on one side of said shoe having a fixed portionand a free end, said free end including said first fastening member,said second fastening member positioned adjacent said fixed portion ofsaid fastener strap; and anchor means on the opposite side of said shoe,said anchor means having an opening formed of a connector plate throughwhich said free end of said fastener strap passes permitting adjustmentto maintain a precise desired tautness of said closure assembly tofasten said shoe. .Iaddend. .Iadd. A shoe having a sole, uppers and avariable instep opening in combination with an adjustable and flexibleclosure assembly spanning said variable instep opening, said closureassembly comprising:a flexible, multi-adjustable, separable fastenermeans having first and second fastening members including arrays ofcomplementary, coacting flexible gripping elements for securing saidclosure assembly; a fastener strap included on one side of said shoehaving a fixed portion and a free end, said free end including saidfirst fastening member, said second fastening member positioned adjacentsaid fixed portion of said fastener strap; and anchor means on theopposite side of said shoe, said anchor means having an opening throughwhich said free end of said fastener strap passes permitting adjustmentto maintain a precise desired tautness of said closure assembly tofasten said shoe, said anchor means forming a strap having a fixed endand a free end, said free end including said anchor opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.28. A shoe having a sole, uppers and a variable instep opening incombination with an adjustable and flexible closure assembly spanningsaid variable instep opening, said closure assembly comprising: aflexible, multi-adjustable, separable fastener means having a first andsecond fastening members including arrays of complementary, coactingflexible gripping elements for securing said closure assembly; abifurcated fastener strap included on one side of said shoe having afixed portion and a free end, said free end including said firstfastening member, said second fastening member positioned adjacent saidfixed portion of said fastener strap, said bifurcated fastener strapforming two leg members fixed to one side of the shoe and a body memberportion spanning said leg members permanently retaining said leg membersin an anchor means on the opposite side of said shoe; and anchor meanson the opposite side of said shoe, said anchor means having an openingthrough which said free end of said fastener strap passes permittingadjustment to maintain a precise desired tautness of said closureassembly to fasten such shoe. .Iaddend. .Iadd.29. A shoe having a sole,uppers and a variable instep opening in combination with an adjustableand flexible closure assembly to span and close the variable instepopening, said closure assembly comprising: a flexible, multi-adjustable,separable fastener means having first and second fastening members eachincluding arrays of complementary, coacting flexible gripping elementsfor securing said closure assembly; a fastener strap having a free endand a fixed portion permanently attached to the shoe and positioned atone side of the variable instep opening, said first fastening memberbeing fixed to said free end of said fastener strap, said secondfastening member being in alignment with said fastener strap and beingfixed adjacent to said fixed portion of said fastener strap; an anchorstrap having a free end and a fixed portion permanently attached to theshoe and positioned at the opposite side of the variable instep opening,said free end of said anchor strap including an opening through whichsaid free end of said fastener strap passes to adjust and close thevariable instep opening; and said closure assembly spanning the variableinstep opening and overlaying the shoe uppers at the area where saidfastener strap passes through said opening, the portion of the shoeuppers adjacent the variable instep opening providing a cushion betweensaid closure assembly and the wearer's instep; whereby this constructionpermits the adjustment and fastening of said closure assembly to aprecise desired tautness and secures the shoe by the coaction of saidfirst and second fastening members. .Iaddend. .Iadd.30. The shoe ofclaim 29 wherein the fixed portions of said fastener strap and saidanchor strap are attached to the shoe uppers. .Iaddend. .Iadd.31. Theshoe of claim 30 wherein the fixed portion of the fastener strap isattached to the shoe upper adjacent to the sole of the shoe. .Iaddend..Iadd.32. The shoe of claim 30 wherein the second fastening member ispositioned on the fastener strap. .Iaddend. .Iadd.33. The shoe of claim30 wherein the fixed portion of the anchor strap is attached to a shoeupper adjacent to the sole of the shoe. .Iaddend. .Iadd.34. A shoehaving a sole, uppers and a variable instep opening in combination withan adjustable and flexible closure assembly to span and close thevariable instep opening, said closure assembly comprising:a flexible,multi-adjustable, separable fastener means having first and secondfastening members each including arrays of complementary, coactingflexible gripping elements for securing said closure assembly; afastener strap having a free end and a fixed portion permanentlyattached to the shoe and positioned at one side of the variable instepopening, said first fastening member being fixed to said free end ofsaid fastener strap, said second fastening member being in alignmentwith said fastener strap and being fixed adjacent to said fixed portionof said fastener strap; anchor means permanently attaching a D-ring tothe shoe and positioning said D-ring at the opposite side of thevariable instep opening, said D-ring providing an opening above the shoeupper through which said free end of said fastener strap is adapted topass to adjust and close the variable instep opening; and said closureassembly spanning the variable instep opening and overlaying the shoeuppers at the area where said fastener strap passes through saidopening, the portion of the shoe uppers adjacent the variable instepopening providing a cushion between said closure assembly and thewearer's instep; whereby this construction permits the adjustment andfastening of said closure assembly to a precise desired tautness andsecures the shoe by the coaction of said first and second fasteningmembers. .Iaddend. .Iadd.35. The shoe of claim 34 wherein the D-ring ispivotably attached to the shoe so that the pivotal movement of theD-ring is independent of the movement of the shoe uppers. .Iaddend..Iadd.36. The shoe of claim 35 wherein said anchor means comprises ananchor strap having a fixed portion permanently attached to one side ofthe shoe and a free end at which the pivotable D-ring is connected..Iaddend. .Iadd.37. The shoe of claim 36 wherein said anchor strap isfixed to a shoe upper. .Iaddend. .Iadd.38. The shoe of claim 36 whereinsaid anchor strap is fixed at a point where the sole and uppers join..Iaddend. .Iadd.39. The shoe of claim 36 wherein said D-ring is providedwith a roll bar to allow the fastener strap to glide smoothly and easilyprovide precise adjustment of the closure assembly. .Iaddend. .Iadd.40.A shoe having a sole, uppers, a variable instep opening, a plurality oflace eyelets in said uppers and positioned along both sides of thevariable instep opening and laces strung through said lace eyelets, saidlaces and eyelets serving as a first fastening means, in combinationwith an adjustable and flexible closure assembly to span and close thevariable instep opening and provide greater support to the wearer'sfoot, said closure assembly comprising:a flexible, multi-adjustable,separable fastener means having first and second fastening members eachincluding arrays of complementary, coacting flexible gripping elementsfor securing said closure assembly; a fastener strap having a free endand a fixed portion permanently attached to the shoe and positioned atone side of the variable instep opening, said first fastening memberbeing fixed to said free end of said fastener strap, said secondfastening member being in alignment with said fastener strap and beingfixed adjacent to said fixed portion of said fastener strap; an anchorstrap having a free end and a fixed portion permanently attached to theshoe and positioned at the opposite side of the variable instep opening,said free end of said anchor strap including an opening through whichsaid free end of said fastener strap passes to adjust and close thevariable instep opening; and said fastener strap and said anchor strapcombining to span the variable instep opening and overlay at least someof the laces and thereby provide greater supporting fastening means andcomfort to the wearer's foot; whereby this construction of said closureassembly serves as a second fastening means, provides considerablefastening support in addition to that provided by the laces and permitsthe adjustment and fastening of said closure assembly to better retainthe precise desired tautness as well as provide greater fasteningsecurity for the shoe by the coaction of said first and second fasteningmembers. .Iaddend. .Iadd.41. The shoe of claim 40 wherein said closureassembly overlays the shoe uppers at the area where said fastener strappasses through said opening, the portion of the shoe uppers adjacent thevariable instep opening providing a cushion between said closureassembly and the wearer's instep. .Iaddend. .Iadd.42. The shoe of claim40 wherein the fastener strap and the anchor strap are positioned tooverlay the upper area of the variable instep opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.43. The shoe of claim 40 wherein the fixed portion of saidfastener strap is attached to one side of the shoe proximate to the heelarea of the shoe where the sole and uppers join and the fixed portion ofsaid anchor strap is attached to the other side of the shoe proximate tothe heel area of the shoe where the sole and the uppers join so that theclosure assembly overlays the upper instep of the shoe and providesgreater support and fastening security at the ankle area of the wearer'sfoot. .Iaddend. .Iadd.44. The shoe of claim 41 wherein said opening insaid anchor strap is a D-ring pivotably attached to said free end ofsaid anchor strap. .Iaddend. .Iadd.45. A shoe having a sole, uppers, avariable instep opening, a plurality of lace eyelets in said uppers andpositioned along both sides of the variable instep opening and lacesstrung through said lace eyelets, said laces and lace eyelets serving asa first fastening means, in combination with an adjustable and flexibleclosure assembly to span and close the variable instep opening andprovide greater support to the wearer's foot, said closure assemblycomprising:a flexible, multi-adjustable, separable fastener means havingfirst and second fastening members each including arrays ofcomplementary, coacting flexible gripping elements for securing saidclosure assembly; a fastener strap having a free end and a fixed portionpermanently attached to one side of the shoe proximate to the heel areaof the shoe where the sole and the uppers join and positioned at oneside of the variable instep opening, said first fastening member beingfixed to said free end of said fastener strap, said second fasteningmember being in alignment with said fastener strap and being fixedadjacent to said fixed portion of said fastener strap; an anchor straphaving a free end and a fixed end permanently attached to the oppositeside of the shoe proximate to the heel area of the shoe where the soleand uppers join and positioned at the opposite side of the variableinstep opening, said free end of said anchor strap including an openingthrough which said free end of said fastener strap passes to adjust andclose the variable instep opening; said fastener strap and said anchorstrap combining to span the variable instep opening and overlay at leastsome of the laces at the upper portion of the variable instep opening toprovide greater support and fastening security at the ankle area of thewearer's foot; whereby this construction of said closure assembly servesas a second fastening means, provides considerable fastening support inaddition to that provided by the laces, permits the adjustment andfastening of said closure assembly to better retain the precise desiredtautness as well as provide greater fastening security for the shoe bythe coaction of said first and second fastener members. .Iaddend..Iadd.46. The shoe of claim 45 wherein said closure assembly spans andoverlays the uppers at the area where said fastener strap passes throughsaid opening, the portion of the shoe uppers adjacent the variableinstep opening providing a cushion between said closure assembly and thewearer's instep. .Iaddend. .Iadd.47. The shoe of claim 45 wherein saidopening in said anchor strap is a D-ring pivotably attached to said freeend of said anchor strap. .Iaddend. .Iadd.48. A shoe having a sole,uppers and a variable instep opening in combination with an adjustableand flexible closure assembly to span and close the variable instepopening, said closure assembly comprising:a flexible, multi-adjustable,separable fastener means having first and second fastening members eachincluding arrays of complementary, coacting flexible gripping elementsfor securing said closure assembly; a non-retractable, bifurcatedU-shaped fastener strap for spanning the variable instep opening, saidbifurcated U-shaped fastener strap having an integral free end portionand a pair of spaced, elongated leg members permanently attached attheir fixed ends to one side of the shoe and positioned at one side ofthe variable instep opening, said integral free end portioninterconnecting the two leg members at their ends opposite to the fixedends attached to the shoe, said first fastening member being fixed tosaid integral free end portion of said bifurcated fastener strap, saidsecond fastening member being in alignment with said bifurcated fastenerstrap and being fixed adjacent to said fixed ends of said leg members;permanent anchor means positioned on the opposite side of said variableinstep opening, said anchor means including a pair of openings throughwhich said leg members pass, the integral free end portion of saidbifurcated fastener strap preventing the withdrawal of said bifurcatedfastener strap from said openings; wherein the bifurcated U-shapedflexible strap spans the variable instep opening and is always retainedwithin said openings in said anchor means and whereby this constructionpermits simultaneous manipulation of both leg members of the bifurcatedstrap to adjust and fasten said closure assembly to a precise desiredtautness and secure the shoe by the coaction of said first and secondfastening members. .Iaddend. .Iadd.49. The shoe of claim 48 wherein theclosure assembly overlays the shoe uppers at the area where saidfastener strap passes through said opening so that the portion of theshoe uppers adjacent the variable instep opening provides a cushionbetween said closure assembly and the wearer's instep. .Iaddend..Iadd.50. The closure assembly of claim 48 wherein the fixed ends ofsaid leg members are attached to the shoe adjacent the variable instepopening. .Iaddend. .Iadd.51. The closure assembly of claim 48 whereinthe second fastening member is positioned adjacent the edge of thevariable instep opening. .Iaddend. .Iadd.52. The closure assembly ofclaim 48 wherein the anchor means comprises a pair of anchor straps,each having a free end and a fixed end permanently attached to the shoe,said pair of openings being formed in said free ends of said anchorstraps. .Iaddend. .Iadd.53. The closure assembly of claim 52 whereineach of said pair of openings in said anchor straps is a D-ringpivotally connected to the respective free end of the respective anchorstrap. .Iaddend. .Iadd.54. The closure assembly of claim 48 wherein saidopenings are formed in the shoe uppers proximate to the variable instepopening. .Iaddend. .Iadd.55. The closure assembly of claim 54 whereineach of said openings is formed of a grommet. .Iaddend. .Iadd.56. A shoehaving a sole, uppers and a variable instep opening in combination withan adjustable and flexible closure assembly to span and close thevariable instep opening, said closure assembly comprising:a flexible,multi-adjustable, separable fastener means having a first and secondfastening members each including arrays of complementary, coactingflexible gripping elements for securing said closure assembly; anon-retractable, bifurcated U-shaped fastener strap for spanning thevariable instep opening, said bifurcated U-shaped fastener strap havingan integral free end portion and a pair of spaced, elongated leg memberspermanently attached at their fixed ends to one side of the shoe andpositioned at one side of the variable instep opening, said integralfree end portion interconnecting the two leg members at their endsopposite to the fixed ends attached to the shoe, said first fasteningmember being fixed to said integral free end portion of said bifurcatedfastener strap, said second fastening member being in alignment withsaid bifurcated fastener strap and being fixed adjacent to said fixedends of said leg members; anchor means permanently attaching a pair ofD-rings to the shoe and positioning the D-rings at the opposite side ofthe variable instep opening, said D-rings providing a pair of openingsthrough which said leg members pass, the integral free end portion ofsaid bifurcated fastener strap preventing the withdrawal of thebifurcated fastener strap from said openings; wherein the bifurcatedU-shaped flexible strap spans the variable instep opening and is alwaysretained within said openings in the anchor means and whereby thisconstruction permits simultaneous manipulation of both leg members toadjust and fasten said closure assembly to a precise desired tautnessand secure the shoe by the coaction of said first and second fasteningmembers. .Iaddend. .Iadd.57. The shoe of claim 56 wherein each D-ring ispivotably attached to the shoe so that the pivotable movement of eachD-ring is independent of the movement of the shoe uppers. .Iaddend..Iadd.58. The shoe of claim 56 wherein said anchor means comprise a pairof anchor straps each having a free end and a fixed end permanentlyattached to the shoe and wherein said D-rings are pivotably connected tothe respective free ends of said anchor straps. .Iaddend. .Iadd.59. Ashoe having a sole, uppers and a variable instep opening in combinationwith an adjustable and flexible closure assembly to span and close thevariable instep opening, said closure assembly comprising:a flexible,multi-adjustable, separable fastener means having first and secondfastening members each including arrays of complementary, coactingflexible gripping elements for securing said closure assembly; anon-retractable, bifurcated U-shaped fastener strap for spanning thevariable instep opening, said bifurcated U-shaped fastener strap havingan integral free end portion and a pair of spaced, elongated leg memberspermanently attached at their fixed ends to one side of the shoe andpositioned at one side of said variable instep opening, said integralfree end portion interconnecting the two leg members at their endsopposite to the fixed ends attached to the shoe, said first fasteningmember being fixed to said integral free end portion of said bifurcatedfastener strap, said second fastening member being in alignment withsaid bifurcated fastener strap and being fixed adjacent to said fixedends of said leg members; a pair of openings formed in the upper of theshoe on the opposite side of said variable instep opening, said legmembers passing under a portion of said upper and through said openings,the integral free end portion of said fastener strap preventing thewithdrawal of the bifurcated fastener strap from said openings; whereinthe bifurcated U-shaped flexible strap spans the variable instep openingand is always retained within said openings in the upper and wherebythis construction permits simultaneous manipulation of both leg membersof the bifurcated strap to adjust and fasten said closure assembly to aprecise desired tautness and secure the shoe by the coaction of saidfirst and second fastening members. .Iaddend. .Iadd.60. The shoe ofclaim 59 wherein each of said openings is formed of a grommet. .Iaddend.